⬷ CHAPTER ONE ⤐
In an oblivion of darkness, there is always a flame. There is always hope and there is always love. Once you are swept and consumed by darkness, there is a light at the end of the tunnel; always a way out. For the young woman who cries and basks in the moonlight before sleep, she only knows misery. Her life is merely the strings on a violin, while the musician deters the melodies that play her life story. A beautiful instrument that can so easily be manipulated into dark symphonies of grey, and reflect the sad songs of the night. She is a pawn, waiting to be led down a certain path, born in the shadows of great evil. Her dark and menacing eyes mask the tragedy, misery, and pain of the past. A past that is kept behind closed doors, and draped with the utmost resilience. Yet, she lives on. Never forgetting that there is and will always be pain in her life. Love is weakness, Regina.
When there was no one to blame, Regina found it easy to pin her misery on Snow White. And no, it wasn't because she was the "fairest" of them all. In fact, before her reign as the "Evil Queen", Regina was known for her significantly beautiful appearance. Even with her current evil moniker, no one can deny her everlasting beauty. After all, it was if she hadn't aged a single day since she was 18 years old. Her olive skin glistened in the moonlight, reflecting a soft porcelain complexion. Her piercing whiskey eyes rarely showed vulnerability, but instead a loathing rage. Her eyes being her most prominently enticing feature, while her plump lips and furrowed brows were as equally alluring. Her long elaborate curls hung just below her waist, colored a dark raven. Her petite but curvature figure was especially magnetic, which she used to her advantage quite successfully. But her fairest feature of them all is her bright, genuine smile; a feature that hasn't surfaced for many years, but is yet to come one day. And on that day, she will realize that all of her malicious deeds were meaningless, as well as Snow White's suffering.
He had merely escaped the dank and suppressive dungeons, trotting up and down the corridors searching for a breach. Exhaustion no longer mattered when adrenaline finally kicked in, after all, he had little time to find his true love. He knew something was wrong as soon as his heart ached, as if a piece of himself was ripped out of his chest. Snow was connected to him in some way, and they couldn't live without one another. His heart rate increased at an exceedingly fast pace, and his legs became numb, but still he trudged on. As he saw an opportunity for a great escape, a black knight came barreling round the corner, bow and arrow aimed towards Charming. He knew this was it. If he wasn't going to survive the trip from the dungeons, then he hoped that Snow would wake or he would die trying. Bracing himself for impact, he shut his eyes and compacted himself tightly. When the sound of an arrow reached his ears but never made contact, he looked behind him to see another black guard collapse. "Who are you?" he inquired. The guard put another arrow back into the holster lying against his back, and pulled the heavy helmet from his face. He looked at Charming with a reassuring smile before speaking. "A friend." Graham said. "Now get out of here, I'll hold off the black guards." he gave Charming his sword. "You know what the Queen will do if she finds out you helped me escape." he didn't want another man to risk his life for him, but he appreciated it with much honor. "It matters not, now go and find her." he urged him to leave before it was too late, and Charming started running out of the castle at a steady pace. If he were going to make it to Snow in time, he would need to save some energy, given the fact that he was in a cell for days on end.
He had spent too much time clashing swords with the Dark One and Maleficent, that he hadn't recognized how long it had been since his escape from the Evil Queen's dungeons. A whole day to be exact. Following his success of slipping the golden egg into Maleficent's dragon form, Rumpelstiltskin enchanted his mother's ring to be able to find Snow White. It glowed an emerald green as the forested scent of evergreen mint filled the air. The wind sufficed and whipped his face, etching his worn-out complexion. He hadn't had a chance to slow down, not when it came to Snow's safety. As the trees started to clear, he felt a large gust of wind, following a sudden flurry to arise in the air. Just as he noticed this sudden change in climate, he could see a glistening light in the distance, almost like a prism of light leaving a burst of energy his way. He sprinted toward the reflected light, and found the dwarves surrounding a glass coffin. It burrowed in the base of a fallen tree, and he caught a glimpse of the sleeping beauty lying in it. She had hair as black as night, lips as pink as a rose, and skin like porcelain. Her features and feathered pearl dress was enough for him to recognize his true love. Snow. "I'm sorry, you're too late." Doc said. The dwarves were numbstruck, overwhelmed with emotion as they stared at Snow's limp body. "Please, let me say goodbye." Charming was now filled with tears, threatening to come crashing down the sides of his cheeks. He gave a weary, sad smile to Snow as the dwarves heaved off the delicate cover. He leaned forward brushing his lips to Snow's soft pink. Suddenly, a strong wind and beacon of light emerged from Snow and crossed the entire Enchanted Forest.
She gasped and her eyes fluttered open, immediately making eye contact with Charming's bright blue. Charming was awestruck, lifting her up with ease and taking her out of the glass coffin. She stretched up on her toes, capturing his lips locking onto hers. "That was true love's kiss…" Snow said, a wide smile spreading across her face. He laughed, wiping the streaks of dried tears from his face, advancing to mount the white horse standing nearby. He gently lifted her onto it's back, and trotted the horse toward the lakeside scenery outside the Summer Palace.
Once they arrived on the soft sand, wind blowing her brunette waves, they relaxed, entangled in each other's arms. Moments of peace like this were rare, as for the past 8 years Snow had been hunted down by the Evil Queen. Ever since her father's passing when she was sixteen, her step-mother had become ruthless and evil. She never knew why her step-mother was filled with such hatred and unbridled vengeance, until now. They used to have a special bond as mother and daughter, however, it always felt like they were closer to sisters. After all, she and Regina were only 7 years apart. She had met Regina when she was eleven years old, and Regina eighteen. She had to admit, her stepmother was truly gorgeous, whether she had no make-up or a full face of it. Snow had matured and looked a lot older than the once eleven year-old, but Regina looked as if she hadn't aged at all. She hoped that the pure and innocent Regina she had met all of those years ago, would come to surface once again. But everyday that hope was diminished to a smaller portion, leaving less remorse for her step-mother.
As Charming and Snow broke apart from their long embrace, he lowered down onto one knee and proposed his eternal love. The moment was perfect, and she had never been more excited for the future than she did now. She of course said yes, and kissed him passionately, but tenderly once more. "What now?" he said after a few long moments. Snow moved her gaze to the Summer Palace across the lake and smiled. "I say we take back the Kingdom." He smiled back, finding her eyes locked with his, as they walked along the beach hand-in-hand.
As Snow and Charming walked along the beach, they were oblivious to the prying eyes behind the mirror. Regina cringed in disgust at their lustful doey-eyes, and walked away as the mirror faded to a rich purple. "True love's kiss? Really?!" she exclaimed. She paced around the room pondering how pointless her motives were, but refusing to come to the conclusion that she should give up. They would see her as weak. But what exactly does weak mean anymore? Snow and Charming loved each other which ended up making them stronger. Usually with a flick of her wrist Regina could light a village ablaze, or snap a neck with a mere twitch. But this was different.
She rested her head in her petite hands, as she sat down in front of her vanity. Her elaborate red and black dress made it quite difficult to be comfortable in any position, but her regal pride always got the best of her true desires. Well of course, besides now. She didn't care at the moment, seeing as though the people already saw her as anything but a threat. With a swift movement of her hands, she was engulfed in purple smoke, dissipating to model an elegantly soft gown. It was layered with a velvet train, and embroidered with jewels along the plunging sweetheart neckline. The color was a rich royal blue, flowing loosely compared to her other extravagant gowns, but still cinched at the waist to accentuate her curves. The sleeves sagged lazily below her shoulders, revealing her collarbone and soft, olive skin tone. She let her up-do fall to show her long raven curls that stilled just below her waist. Sighing, she brushed her fingertips through the curls and leaned back. She closed her eyes before tears could surface and glaze over her whiskey-brown eyes.
She sat up a few moments later, responding to the delicate knock on the other side of her chambers. She cautiously opened it and welcomed her father inside. He saw the hurt and weariness in her eyes and held his arms out. Reluctantly, she entered his embrace and choked back a sob. "I just want to be happy…" she said, tears starting to stream down her cheeks and falling limp onto the cold floor. Henry sighed. "You can be. Give up on revenge and allow yourself to be happy." he said. She was still crying in his arms, as vulnerable as ever. Only this time, she didn't have a care in the world. Her father was the only person to see her this way, and the only person who loved her despite her anger and need for vengeance. "B-but how?" she asked. He loosened her grip on him, just enough to look in her tearful eyes. "Let's leave. We can escape this life and be happy, have a new start together." she pondered this, giving a slight nod in return. She wanted to be happy, so much so, that she was willing to just drop her desire for vengeance. She knew that one day she would be happy, but never did she imagine being happy without Snow's head on a plate. Quite literally. He smiled at his daughter and saw the innocent girl she once was, still staring back at him. He wanted this for her, and she deserved it despite her terrifying past self. He moved his hands up and down her back, slowing down her accelerating breaths. "Thank you, daddy" she said, and removed herself from her father's reach. "I'll go fetch the royal carriage and request that they bring us to the next kingdom over." he started to walk across the threshold when Regina's hand caught his shoulder gently. "No. Don't. We can just ride ourselves to the next Kingdom." She sighed and looked down at the fabric from her dress. "Why?" he asked. "No matter what, Snow and her prince Charming are going to try and punish me… for all of the pain I've caused." She says, leaning into her father's arms once more. He answered with a simple nod of his head, and turned to fetch Rocinante and Malcolm; Regina's most loyal horses.
As the chamber doors closed with a gentle click, she smiled to herself while fidgeting with her fingers. She walked over to her vanity and with a wave of her hand the mirror revealed Snow and Charming at the Summer Palace. They were having a meeting at their commonplace, the round table, where they directed their white knights to a certain place on the map. When Regina realized what was about to fester in the Kingdom of Misthaven, her eyes narrowed and she let out a condescending scoff. With a roll of her eyes, she sat back up and stalked over to the balcony, reveling in the fresh pine aroma filling the air outside. She was going to miss this view for certain, but she would most definitely not miss the painful memories of being in this castle. There wasn't a single spark of happiness Regina had ever felt within its walls, for the past eleven years. Even with Snow and Leopold gone, the remaining years she spent consisted of pain. Misery, of being alone. Wrong decision after wrong decision eventually led to her believing that she would never seek, nor be given the chance for redemption. Therefore, she did not try to hide from the darkness reaching her heart, but instead gave in and embraced her fate. Now, she was conflicted. Yes, she wanted to be happy but did she really deserve it? All she knew how to feel was anger and sadness, so what would she be without it?
No. She may not deserve any bit of happiness after the sins she has committed, but her father does. He deserves to enjoy seeing his daughter happy- even if her happiness isn't real. Walking back into her chambers, she grabbed small valuables to take with her along the journey. With another flick of the wrist, her favorite gowns and riding gear were packed snuggly in a chest compartment. Making her way to the black knights squad, she held her head up high and began to speak.
"Men. I am leaving Misthaven for certain, not expected to return. I shall continue to provide for the Kingdom as the rightful Queen, but I am starting anew." The guard turned to acknowledge her presence with wide-eyes.
"My Queen, are we still to search for Snow White?" she thought about it, but caring to keep coming after Snow would get in the way of her happiness. After all, there was nothing she could do at this point to harm the insipid girl.
"No… we shall not worry about her anymore. I promised my father I would try to be happy some other way and to start… well, it's not going to be in this castle." They were still rubbing their widened eyes, but stood tall and nodded their heads.
"But… I mean to tell you that you should expect her white knights to attack the castle. You must tell her that I am not here. I would not want her knights to damage our Kingdom, whether the people like me or not." She walked off, heels clicking down the halls. Regina made it to the threshold of her chambers, before taking a step back and realizing there was still more work to be done. She turned around, immediately heading to her vault. Stepping into the dim light, she became overwhelmed by the many beating hearts surrounding her. Oh don't tell me you have a conscience now? She shook off her sudden remorse and replaced it with her regal mask.
Circling the vault, she gathered the hundreds of hearts, placing a tracking spell on each so she could return the hearts to their rightful owners with ease. They began to glow a bright red light, exiting the vault and out the breach of the balcony. She couldn't revive the hundreds of others who had been killed at her command, but she could start by returning the hearts of those who couldn't defend themselves. As the luminescent glow swished past her narrowing eyes, she noticed a particular heart that she wanted to return personally. Grabbing the heart from it's compartment, she rushed out of the vault to find her guards in front of her chambers, taking their usual positions. "Huntsman, I wish to speak with you." She withheld her stern tone, and led him to the large library two corridors down. He gulped, a lump in his throat started forming at the sight of her menacing eyes. Only this time, they glazed a neutral expression.
"I'm sure you have received word of my travels", she said. She could feel the tension and fear emulating from his fidgeting body language.
"Yes… I did. Do you need me to fetch your carriage?"
"No. That won't be necessary. I actually wanted to return something to you." She was never good at admitting her faults, nonetheless, properly apologizing. She relaxed her posture and reached into the small pouch held firm in her grip. When she pulled out his heart, his eyes widened with horror.
"I- Your Majesty, I am so sorry I didn't mean to help him escape." he spat.
"You what?!" she inquired. It became obvious that she had no idea that he helped Prince James escape her dungeons. Now, she came to that realization with his quick synapsis in the spur of the moment. She furrowed her brows in a scowled expression, contemplating if she should just crush it now in return of his betrayal. Then she remembered that she was the one who should be guilty for her actions. She was the one who took his heart and enslaved him for years, yet, she didn't believe that he would ever understand her change in perspective.
"Nevermind it. I have brought you here to return your heart… that I took from you." She cringed thinking about herself actually sparing a life, let alone, returning a heart. But without hesitation, she pulled his hand into reach and dropped the heart atop of his calloused palms. He just froze in place, staring at his internal organ sitting in his palm.
"I-Is this a farce?"
"No. Now please, take it before I regret my decision." she snarked. She began to strife down the corridor before she was stopped by his voice again.
"Uh… Your Majesty?"
"Hmm?" she replied in a low tone and clearly irritated tone.
"Does this mean you are letting me go?"
She thought about it for a few moments. Was she about to let him go after his failed attempts to kill Snow White? After he let Charming escape her dungeons? Surely that wasn't what she was doing. No. The Evil Queen sparing yet another life all in one day? She turned on her heels to face him, eyebrow arched with poise.
"Yes… yes I am." she gave a fake smile and nodded her head before looking at the organ stilled in his palms.
"Would you be able to-"
"Yes." She replied. As her heels became prominently echoed down the corridor, she approached him, rolling up her sleeves with delicacy. He handed her the glowing red heart with a pause of hesitation, but complied to her gesture.
"This is going to hurt. Well, not as much as it did when… nevermind." she smirked, plunging her hand into his chest. For such a petite woman, she could cause quite a lot of pain, and not just with that sharp tongue of hers. He winced as her hand left him, returning to the drapes of her gown in anticipation. She was still Evil, but now had somewhat of a conscience. She nodded again, waving her hand to dismiss him. He sucked in a sharp breath he didn't know he was holding, and watched her walk off to her chambers.
"That woman has taken far too much from us already, Snow. I can't possibly let you keep defending her life when we could so easily save the Kingdom from her evil." Charming pleaded. He glanced around the table to face his closest allies, and true love. Snow frowned and looked down at the map on the table. On it marked a bright red smear, leading up to her evil stepmother's castle. She sighed before defying her beloved's judgement once more.
"David, you don't know Regina like I do. I've seen her do good things… be a good person. Yes, she has done unspeakable things in her past, but like you said, we haven't heard from her for almost three days now!"
"But that's how it should be Snow. We shouldn't have to expect her to come and ruin our lives every waking moment of every day. I know you think she's still that good person you once met, but people can change."
"Exactly! People can change, David. If she became this sinaticly evil person, then she can become good again. I just know it." she held confidence in her response, not doubting a single word. David leaned back in his chair and sighed, placing his head in his hands. Ruby sat across from Snow, giving her a reassuring smile to signify her support. No, she didn't like Regina in any way, nor believed a word Snow said inquiring about the evil woman, but she supported Snow no matter what. David glanced at Granny, who was seemingly skeptical of the whole situation herself. Granny had to admit that Regina was a beautiful woman, which made her all the more dangerous. Her pretty face tended to sway anyone's initial judgement or first impressions, but Granny was well aware of her seductive mischief. She also knew of her tragic loss and misery she had in her life. After all, she used to be an innocent and kind girl who wouldn't harm anyone, even for her own benefit. But for the young girl, she had been raised fated to be consumed by great darkness and overcome with hatred. That hatred ruined the person she once was, but deep down inside whether she liked to admit it or not, Granny was hopeful that maybe one day that woman would return with a heart heavy of regret, and find her own happiness.
Coming to the conclusion that Snow wasn't going to be sueded, David called the meeting to an abrupt end, leaving only him and his beloved sitting at the round table. She gave him an apologetic look, despite the little regret she felt in making her opinion valid. Before walking off to their chambers for the night, she placed a soft hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek.
"I'm sorry, David. This is how it has to be. I'm not asking you to trust Regina in any way, shape, or form, but I am asking you to trust me." She ran her hand down his arm one last time, before walking down the great halls of the Summer Palace. How was he and Snow supposed to have a future together when they are in constant turmoil during Regina's reign as Queen of Misthaven? He started questioning his decisions to listen to Snow. After all, she had been poisoned under a sleeping curse, one meant to never wake up its victims. This was days ago, and she was defending Regina? Sometimes you have to make the hard decisions for the people you love, before it's too late. And that's exactly what David had done. When the clicking of the doors graced his ears, he opened the map once more, and called his most loyal knights to the round table. He placed his firm hands on the table, leaning forward. He pointed to a back entrance of Regina's castle, and looked around the table at the men.
"Tomorrow you must ride to the North Tower of the Evil Queen's castle. She won't be suspecting any attacks because she thinks she has defeated us. She still celebrates her victory, but alas we are just as resilient." The men nod and he continues.
"... And the most important part is that you mustn't tell Snow. If she were to find out, then she would stop us from protecting the Kingdom from a threatening nuisance that could be killed with best laid plans. Can I trust you to do so without hesitation?" He finished, glancing around the room to see bowed heads surrounding him. He splayed out the route each knight is assigned, as they all watch with determination. He folds the map and dismisses them.
"Well then, we start our journey first thing in the morning."
Following the knights' exit, he walked out onto the balcony and gazed into the bright orbs lighting up the darkness that swept over the crisp, nighttime breeze.
"Blue?" No response.
"Blue-" he began to speak until he was interrupted by a star glowing a luminescent much brighter than the others. A blue fairy with wings glided down from the flash of light and faced Charming.
"I am here. I have heard your wish" she said.
"Then you know that I need your help with something… I'm going after Regina."
She walked to the looking glass, smirking knowing that her mother was powerless against her now. If only she could just let her go all those years ago, then it would have spared hundreds of lives at her hand. Regina may be gorgeous, but she is extremely smart and ahead of her time as well. She spent her early years as Queen studying elvish, latin, and spanish. She was never allowed to leave, so she dug herself in a good book from time to time. Now, she was able to do such things with free will. No longer trapped in a dank and desolate place where the only memories she reminisces of are painful and undeniably lonely. Not having someone is the worst curse imaginable, so she tried to inflict those feelings on others. Most specifically, Snow White. She realizes now that she was never successful in ridding happiness from her life.
Focusing on her reflected figure, she changes into her favorite riding boots, light blue petticoat, clouse, and trousers with a flick of her wrist. Her hair was now cascaded down her back, tied with a silver ribbon. This morning she was leaving the castle for good, and traveling over to the next Kingdom with her father. They were going to start a new life, one where she wasn't known for being the "Evil Queen". She grabbed her chest of belongings and began to enact a transportation spell, in order to meet her father in the royal stables. Her signature purple smoke dissipated, revealing her father's wide smile. She returned the gesture and kissed his cheek, moving to saddle Rocinante and Malcolm. Her father whole-heartedly watched his daughter care for the horses with such sympathy and compassion. No matter how evil she once was or is, she always softened when it came to horses. She grabbed the brush stroking Malcolm, before feeding him an apple. Regina opened the stall doors, as both Malcolm and Rocinante began sauntering out into the field of tall grass. Clearly marveled by the sight of the horses' mains being swept in the breeze, she didn't notice her father calling for her down on the dirt path.
"Regina!" he shouted. The sound of hooves began prominently rowdier, nearing the edge of the forest. It must be the white knights, he thought. He had to warn his daughter before it was too late. It mattered not what happened to him, he just wanted his daughter to be safe and free of her castle. He knew every shiver or twitch that overcame her when being alone. It was just her, alone, her mind playing games with her and eventually becoming her greatest enemy. She could straighten her posture and scowl all she wanted, but he could read her like a book. Even if he didn't care what happened to him, he was worried about her well-being if he were gone at the hands of Snow White and Prince Charming. She would revert back, because once again Snow would have been the undoing of another person she loved most; the only person left.
"REGINA!" he called once more. This time, she locked eyes with him from afar, an irritated but confused look on her face. Seeing his worrisome expression even from so far away, she began briskly approaching him.
"Father, what's wrong?" She searched his eyes as he frowned, grabbing her shoulders lightly.
"We have to go, my dear. The white knights, they are on their way to us." He watched her eyes narrow and her brows tighten.
"So they think a few pesky knights are going to hurt me?" she said in a low tone, clearly unamused.
"Regina. No. We are not staying to fight, we have to go. Don't you see? You don't have to fight back anymore."
"... Fine. We shall go now. But if the kingdom falls to ruins because they are searching for me, then I am not to be the one responsible." She sighed as she heard the faint clatter of hooves approaching at a fast rate. Grabbing her father's hand, she moved her hand to transport them to Malcolm and Rocinante, who were standing idle and saddled. They swiftly leapt onto the horses and began cantering into the depths of the Enchanted forest.
The wind was sending her now mangled braid high in the breeze as the horses began to trott. It had only been a few minutes on the dirt path, but surely they were at a distance far enough from the white knights. Taking in the sweet aroma of mint and pine leaves, she leaned back relaxing her shoulders. Her father was a beat behind her, looking around at the beautiful scenery of the Enchanted Forest. Never have they ever been given the chance or opportunity to explore and have freedom. Yes, she knew the forest like the back of her hand from spending most of her time hunting down Snow White, but she never actually took the time to admire the forest. It did smell strange, but it was a refreshing scent that gave her some perspective of the natural world. Outside of tight corsets, elaborate and uncomfortable gowns, tight jewelry, riches, and responsibilities, life seemed so surreal and calming. A lifestyle that she had always dreamed of as a young girl, up until her reign as the "Evil Queen". Regina always took on the persona of an "Evil Queen", claiming that she liked to be feared and looked at with disgust for being simply "evil". The truth was that she hated being called "evil", even when she knew she did evil things. She believed for some time that once she was seen as a monster, she would never have the opportunity to be just Regina. Not while Snow was alive at least. And then started the bloodlust she had grown to accommodate to, following the manipulative ways of the Dark One. The one who sueded her pure heart into darkness to begin with. But this time she was going to prove them all wrong and be the person she's always wanted to be. She wanted to be just that. Simply, Regina.